Kisha, Terrin, and Josselyn, joined by producer Danny, welcome listeners into a conversation that moves gently, honestly, and without pressure. This episode opens space to talk about grief, loss, and support at whatever pace it shows up, featuring bereavement doula Kristin Revere of Gold Coast Doulas.
Opening Banter and Catching Up
Terrin shares big news about her daughter Delainy. Yale University reached out directly to invite her to a health sciences camp, based on her test scores, GPA, and extracurriculars, without an application even being submitted. The hosts erupt with pride, celebrating Delainy’s hard work and what this moment represents.
Kisha follows with a personal update of her own. She’s approaching the halfway mark of the 3,000 hours required for full licensure as an LPC. With a projected finish line next November, the update reflects years of commitment and steady effort.
Josselyn shifts things back into everyday life, excitedly sharing her newest kitchen addition, a pink and gold Paris Hilton crockpot. Dump and go meals have become a bright spot in busy days. That joy turns into laughter when Terrin admits she accidentally used eggnog instead of heavy cream in tomato soup. The story seals itself when Delainy describes the smell in the house as “rank.”
Understanding Bereavement Doulas
The conversation moves into the heart of the episode as the hosts welcome Kristin Revere, a certified bereavement doula, back to the podcast. Kristin explains that her work centers on supporting families through known and unknown loss. Doulas provide informational, physical, and emotional support while working alongside medical teams, not replacing them.
Kristin shares how doulas help families prepare when a baby’s life may be brief. This includes helping parents understand what to expect in the hospital, advocating for time and space to grieve, and assisting with memory making such as keepsakes or connecting families with loss photographers who often offer their services at no cost.
Josselyn asks about practical preparation when parents know loss may be coming. Kristin talks through preparing siblings, finding support groups, and connecting with organizations like Postpartum Support International. She also highlights the Colette Lewis Tisdale Foundation, which offers scholarships and support for families experiencing loss, including those navigating NICU stays.
Supporting Families Through Grief
Kisha asks how bereavement doulas support families when loss is expected or unexpected. Kristin explains that much of the work is simply being present. Sometimes that means sitting quietly, holding a hand, or helping organize meals and practical support.
Kristin also shares that she offers pro bono after birth support, helping parents process their experience, talk through what happened, or write about their baby. This support is available regardless of how early or late the loss occurred.
Terrin reflects on her own early pregnancy loss and how isolating it felt not knowing what grief would look like once she was home. Kristin affirms that loss at any stage carries weight and that doulas support both physical recovery and emotional processing.
Josselyn brings up how differently partners often grieve and asks how couples can stay connected during that time. Kristin explains that partners may feel less connected, especially with earlier losses, and suggests partner focused support groups.
Finding Healing and Legacy
The conversation turns toward healing and how families choose to carry their baby’s memory forward. Kristin shares examples of families who create foundations or donate breast milk as ways to honor their baby and find meaning after loss.
Kisha asks how long doula support typically lasts. Kristin shares that she sends personalized anniversary cards to her loss clients each year. This resonates deeply with Terrin, who speaks about her fear that her baby could be forgotten and how meaningful it is when someone remembers.
Josselyn shares her experience of miscarrying on Christmas Eve and then hosting Christmas for her other children while grieving. Kristin offers practical guidance, reminding listeners that it is okay to decline invitations, step away when needed, and allow emotions to surface.
Final Thoughts
Kristin closes with guidance for supporting someone who is grieving: offer practical help like food, listen without trying to fix anything, and remember the baby’s name, especially on anniversaries.
Josselyn reflects on her experience with a rainbow baby and how physical symptoms during pregnancy brought reassurance after loss. Kristin acknowledges the mix of joy and anxiety that often comes with rainbow pregnancies.
The episode closes with a shared understanding that grief and happiness can exist at the same time, and there is no timeline for healing.
About Our Guest
Kristin Revere is the co-owner of Gold Coast Doulas and host of the Ask the Doulas podcast. Learn more at goldcoastdoulas.com, or check out her book, Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby.
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